25 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi

Valentine's Day News: US Air and American are engaged!

To contact us Click HERE
Big news: US Airways and American Airlines are engaged! Here's the website created to update us on the progress of the new American Airlines.

Love is in the air!
 
Don't panic: it usually takes a couple years before the complete merger takes place. It will be business as usual at both airlines (which isn't saying that service has been great with either carrier).

Your miles are safe. The frequent flier programs will be merged so you won't lose your miles. However, US Airways will transition from the Star Alliance to the OneWorld program. You have a year or so to consider your options. If you have status with either airline, this is a good time to switch loyalty programs (United or Delta may match your status and miles to woo you).

Congratulations to them both on their impending union.

CRUISE NEWS: Winstar buys half Seabourn's fleet

To contact us Click HERE
Windstar Cruises announced the purchase of three Seabourn ships yesterday (here's a link to the press release).

The original Seabourn fleet consisting of 208-passenger yachts Seabourn Pride (1988), Seabourn Spirit (1989), and Seabourn Legend (1988) will join Windstar's fleet of three tall-masted sailing ships Wind Spirit (1988), Wind Star (1986), and Wind Surf (1990).  The Seabourn Pride will be the first ship to enter Windstar's fleet in April of 2014.  After renovations, the re-branded and re-named Pride will set sail a month later in the Mediterranean in May 2014; voyages are expected to go on sale in May of this year. Windstar will take possession of Seabourn Legend in April 2015 and Seabourn Spirit in May 2015. The yachts will start sailing in May of 2015 following their dry-dock period.

This is a great move for Windstar Cruises, allowing them to expand to new destinations. They recently announced that the Wind Spirit will return to French Polynesia in May 2014 offering 7-night Tahiti cruises from Papeete. Plans to sail in Asia and South America are also in the works.


Gene Sloan of USA Today writes: "The deal is a new milestone in the comeback of Windstar, an upscale line that was in bankruptcy as recently as 2011 before being taken over by the deep-pocketed Xanterra. Controlled by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz' Anschutz Corp., the company already has poured millions of dollars into renovations for all three Windstar ships."

This leaves Seabourn with their three new 408-passenger ships: Seabourn Odyssey (2009), Seabourn Sojourn (2010) and Seabourn Quest (2011). While rumors are circulating that a new Seabourn ship order will soon be announced, this cruise specialist wonders if the financial troubles of the Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn and Costa Cruises) had any influence in the timing of the sale.

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Fresh From the Refit

To contact us Click HERE
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
On  June 1, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain. The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum. In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.

 Our Other Sites:  
  • For Cruise News World Wide - Cruise-Guru.blogspot.com
  • For Information on Cruises From New York and New Jersey - www.NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For Information on Cruises from the Northeast - www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com

Louis Cruise Lines' Emerald Sold for Scrap

To contact us Click HERE
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap

Initially reported sold to South Korean buyers, Louis Cruise Lines has now reported that the 54-year-old Emerald has been sold for scrap in June for  $5 Million dollars.

This is the second cruise ship that Louis Cruise Line has sold in the last three months. The Sapphire was recently sold for scrap as well. The line is actively reducing the older tonnage of the fleet. Currently Louis Cruise Line has 7 ships.

Although the Emerald did go though a total rennovation in the last 10 years, her fuel hungry  steam turbine-powered engines have made it hard for her to find suitable active service.
The Emerald was originally bult as the Santa Rosa for Grace Lines.

 ___________________________________________________________________________


Check Out Our Other Sites:


  • Information on Worldwide Cruises - Cruise-Guru Blog
  • Information on Cruises From New York - NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For New York Cruise Updates - NYCruiseInfo Blog.
  • Cruises from the Northeast - Northeast Cruise Guide.com
 Sign Up for our Free Cruise Newsletter

If You've Been Dying To Know...

To contact us Click HERE
I'm going to finally give you some background around the name of my blog. 
Today, I am linking up with Casey over at Stress Case to talk all about why I blog.
I've mentioned before here and there about why I blog but I'll refresh your pretty little minds. And for all of you newbies who haven't read my blog cover to cover.
As a quick recap, I began blogging because I found myself unemployed with a lot of time on my hands. I had been following a few blogs and thought, why not create my own blog. That way I won't look like such a creeper reading other blogs. 
Initially blogging was sort of an outlet around my frustrations with not being engaged. I knew M didn't express interest in reading my blog but secretly I hoped he was reading. I created posts like this and this to sort of hint around at the types of rings I might like.
I then moved my focus to link-ups and daily happenings to try and meet people though the blogging community. I read that a lot of people had met great friends though blogging. 
Some days I would get down because my readership wasn't growing as quickly as I would like. I would see other blogs that were so big and I would get discouraged. Then I would remember blogging is not about the followers, but about me. I have one of the best followers out there, my mom!
Lately I'm blogging as more of a virtual scrapbook. In addition to my daily life and fun link-ups, I've been highlighting my past and present and preparing for what my future brings. I've found joy out of that, and the fact my blog keeps my mom updated.
So, how did by blog get its name?It all started with a Christmas present. 
The past few years my mom has thrown out the phrase "keep your sunny side up" whenever I've been down and out, stressed or struggling. She's said it here and there. 
This past Christmas, I received this present from my mom. The metal sign hanging on the wall in my room. 
I was in shock when I saw what it was. I thought she had it custom made since it was something she had said to me a lot. She actually didn't and when she saw it in the store just had to have it to give to me. I told her I'd treasure it always. 
The day I planned to start my blog I sat at my little ol desk thinking and thinking, racking my brain. I wanted something along the lines of "living by the salty sea". Although that seems so "me", it just didn't quite fit. I hadn't always and wouldn't always live by the sea. 
I was literally looking around my room to think when my eyes stumbled on the sign from my mom. It seemed like the perfect title to my blog. 
And that, my friends, is how my blog was named.

24 Şubat 2013 Pazar

Valentine's Day News: US Air and American are engaged!

To contact us Click HERE
Big news: US Airways and American Airlines are engaged! Here's the website created to update us on the progress of the new American Airlines.

Love is in the air!
 
Don't panic: it usually takes a couple years before the complete merger takes place. It will be business as usual at both airlines (which isn't saying that service has been great with either carrier).

Your miles are safe. The frequent flier programs will be merged so you won't lose your miles. However, US Airways will transition from the Star Alliance to the OneWorld program. You have a year or so to consider your options. If you have status with either airline, this is a good time to switch loyalty programs (United or Delta may match your status and miles to woo you).

Congratulations to them both on their impending union.

CRUISE NEWS: Winstar buys half Seabourn's fleet

To contact us Click HERE
Windstar Cruises announced the purchase of three Seabourn ships yesterday (here's a link to the press release).

The original Seabourn fleet consisting of 208-passenger yachts Seabourn Pride (1988), Seabourn Spirit (1989), and Seabourn Legend (1988) will join Windstar's fleet of three tall-masted sailing ships Wind Spirit (1988), Wind Star (1986), and Wind Surf (1990).  The Seabourn Pride will be the first ship to enter Windstar's fleet in April of 2014.  After renovations, the re-branded and re-named Pride will set sail a month later in the Mediterranean in May 2014; voyages are expected to go on sale in May of this year. Windstar will take possession of Seabourn Legend in April 2015 and Seabourn Spirit in May 2015. The yachts will start sailing in May of 2015 following their dry-dock period.

This is a great move for Windstar Cruises, allowing them to expand to new destinations. They recently announced that the Wind Spirit will return to French Polynesia in May 2014 offering 7-night Tahiti cruises from Papeete. Plans to sail in Asia and South America are also in the works.


Gene Sloan of USA Today writes: "The deal is a new milestone in the comeback of Windstar, an upscale line that was in bankruptcy as recently as 2011 before being taken over by the deep-pocketed Xanterra. Controlled by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz' Anschutz Corp., the company already has poured millions of dollars into renovations for all three Windstar ships."

This leaves Seabourn with their three new 408-passenger ships: Seabourn Odyssey (2009), Seabourn Sojourn (2010) and Seabourn Quest (2011). While rumors are circulating that a new Seabourn ship order will soon be announced, this cruise specialist wonders if the financial troubles of the Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn and Costa Cruises) had any influence in the timing of the sale.

If You've Been Dying To Know...

To contact us Click HERE
I'm going to finally give you some background around the name of my blog. 
Today, I am linking up with Casey over at Stress Case to talk all about why I blog.
I've mentioned before here and there about why I blog but I'll refresh your pretty little minds. And for all of you newbies who haven't read my blog cover to cover.
As a quick recap, I began blogging because I found myself unemployed with a lot of time on my hands. I had been following a few blogs and thought, why not create my own blog. That way I won't look like such a creeper reading other blogs. 
Initially blogging was sort of an outlet around my frustrations with not being engaged. I knew M didn't express interest in reading my blog but secretly I hoped he was reading. I created posts like this and this to sort of hint around at the types of rings I might like.
I then moved my focus to link-ups and daily happenings to try and meet people though the blogging community. I read that a lot of people had met great friends though blogging. 
Some days I would get down because my readership wasn't growing as quickly as I would like. I would see other blogs that were so big and I would get discouraged. Then I would remember blogging is not about the followers, but about me. I have one of the best followers out there, my mom!
Lately I'm blogging as more of a virtual scrapbook. In addition to my daily life and fun link-ups, I've been highlighting my past and present and preparing for what my future brings. I've found joy out of that, and the fact my blog keeps my mom updated.
So, how did by blog get its name?It all started with a Christmas present. 
The past few years my mom has thrown out the phrase "keep your sunny side up" whenever I've been down and out, stressed or struggling. She's said it here and there. 
This past Christmas, I received this present from my mom. The metal sign hanging on the wall in my room. 
I was in shock when I saw what it was. I thought she had it custom made since it was something she had said to me a lot. She actually didn't and when she saw it in the store just had to have it to give to me. I told her I'd treasure it always. 
The day I planned to start my blog I sat at my little ol desk thinking and thinking, racking my brain. I wanted something along the lines of "living by the salty sea". Although that seems so "me", it just didn't quite fit. I hadn't always and wouldn't always live by the sea. 
I was literally looking around my room to think when my eyes stumbled on the sign from my mom. It seemed like the perfect title to my blog. 
And that, my friends, is how my blog was named.

Louis Cruise Lines' Emerald Sold for Scrap

To contact us Click HERE
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap

Initially reported sold to South Korean buyers, Louis Cruise Lines has now reported that the 54-year-old Emerald has been sold for scrap in June for  $5 Million dollars.

This is the second cruise ship that Louis Cruise Line has sold in the last three months. The Sapphire was recently sold for scrap as well. The line is actively reducing the older tonnage of the fleet. Currently Louis Cruise Line has 7 ships.

Although the Emerald did go though a total rennovation in the last 10 years, her fuel hungry  steam turbine-powered engines have made it hard for her to find suitable active service.
The Emerald was originally bult as the Santa Rosa for Grace Lines.

 ___________________________________________________________________________


Check Out Our Other Sites:


  • Information on Worldwide Cruises - Cruise-Guru Blog
  • Information on Cruises From New York - NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For New York Cruise Updates - NYCruiseInfo Blog.
  • Cruises from the Northeast - Northeast Cruise Guide.com
 Sign Up for our Free Cruise Newsletter

23 Şubat 2013 Cumartesi

New Year's Celebrations 2013

To contact us Click HERE
Spectacular New Year's Eve view from the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London
New Year's Eve 2013 falls on a Monday giving many of us a four night weekend - a great opportunity for a fabulous getaway. Here's a few ideas on where to celebrate!

CNN's From Dubai to Kyoto: How to see in the New Year in style offers the ten best cities in which to ring in the new year.
  1. Hong Kong
  2. New York
  3. Berlin
  4. London
  5. Edinburgh
  6. Sydney
  7. Samoa
  8. Kyoto
  9. Taipei
  10. Dubai
Forbes Magazine 5 Hot New Year's Eve Parties Around The World suggests five landmark hotels for a memorable celebration.
  1. The Royal Horseguards, London
  2. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
  3. Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice
  4. The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Scotland
  5. The Sebel Pier One, Sydney

Valentine's Day News: US Air and American are engaged!

To contact us Click HERE
Big news: US Airways and American Airlines are engaged! Here's the website created to update us on the progress of the new American Airlines.

Love is in the air!
 
Don't panic: it usually takes a couple years before the complete merger takes place. It will be business as usual at both airlines (which isn't saying that service has been great with either carrier).

Your miles are safe. The frequent flier programs will be merged so you won't lose your miles. However, US Airways will transition from the Star Alliance to the OneWorld program. You have a year or so to consider your options. If you have status with either airline, this is a good time to switch loyalty programs (United or Delta may match your status and miles to woo you).

Congratulations to them both on their impending union.

CRUISE NEWS: Winstar buys half Seabourn's fleet

To contact us Click HERE
Windstar Cruises announced the purchase of three Seabourn ships yesterday (here's a link to the press release).

The original Seabourn fleet consisting of 208-passenger yachts Seabourn Pride (1988), Seabourn Spirit (1989), and Seabourn Legend (1988) will join Windstar's fleet of three tall-masted sailing ships Wind Spirit (1988), Wind Star (1986), and Wind Surf (1990).  The Seabourn Pride will be the first ship to enter Windstar's fleet in April of 2014.  After renovations, the re-branded and re-named Pride will set sail a month later in the Mediterranean in May 2014; voyages are expected to go on sale in May of this year. Windstar will take possession of Seabourn Legend in April 2015 and Seabourn Spirit in May 2015. The yachts will start sailing in May of 2015 following their dry-dock period.

This is a great move for Windstar Cruises, allowing them to expand to new destinations. They recently announced that the Wind Spirit will return to French Polynesia in May 2014 offering 7-night Tahiti cruises from Papeete. Plans to sail in Asia and South America are also in the works.


Gene Sloan of USA Today writes: "The deal is a new milestone in the comeback of Windstar, an upscale line that was in bankruptcy as recently as 2011 before being taken over by the deep-pocketed Xanterra. Controlled by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz' Anschutz Corp., the company already has poured millions of dollars into renovations for all three Windstar ships."

This leaves Seabourn with their three new 408-passenger ships: Seabourn Odyssey (2009), Seabourn Sojourn (2010) and Seabourn Quest (2011). While rumors are circulating that a new Seabourn ship order will soon be announced, this cruise specialist wonders if the financial troubles of the Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn and Costa Cruises) had any influence in the timing of the sale.

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Fresh From the Refit

To contact us Click HERE
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
On  June 1, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain. The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum. In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.

 Our Other Sites:  
  • For Cruise News World Wide - Cruise-Guru.blogspot.com
  • For Information on Cruises From New York and New Jersey - www.NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For Information on Cruises from the Northeast - www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com

Louis Cruise Lines' Emerald Sold for Scrap

To contact us Click HERE
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap

Initially reported sold to South Korean buyers, Louis Cruise Lines has now reported that the 54-year-old Emerald has been sold for scrap in June for  $5 Million dollars.

This is the second cruise ship that Louis Cruise Line has sold in the last three months. The Sapphire was recently sold for scrap as well. The line is actively reducing the older tonnage of the fleet. Currently Louis Cruise Line has 7 ships.

Although the Emerald did go though a total rennovation in the last 10 years, her fuel hungry  steam turbine-powered engines have made it hard for her to find suitable active service.
The Emerald was originally bult as the Santa Rosa for Grace Lines.

 ___________________________________________________________________________


Check Out Our Other Sites:


  • Information on Worldwide Cruises - Cruise-Guru Blog
  • Information on Cruises From New York - NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For New York Cruise Updates - NYCruiseInfo Blog.
  • Cruises from the Northeast - Northeast Cruise Guide.com
 Sign Up for our Free Cruise Newsletter

22 Şubat 2013 Cuma

New Year's Celebrations 2013

To contact us Click HERE
Spectacular New Year's Eve view from the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London
New Year's Eve 2013 falls on a Monday giving many of us a four night weekend - a great opportunity for a fabulous getaway. Here's a few ideas on where to celebrate!

CNN's From Dubai to Kyoto: How to see in the New Year in style offers the ten best cities in which to ring in the new year.
  1. Hong Kong
  2. New York
  3. Berlin
  4. London
  5. Edinburgh
  6. Sydney
  7. Samoa
  8. Kyoto
  9. Taipei
  10. Dubai
Forbes Magazine 5 Hot New Year's Eve Parties Around The World suggests five landmark hotels for a memorable celebration.
  1. The Royal Horseguards, London
  2. Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas
  3. Luna Hotel Baglioni, Venice
  4. The Balmoral, Edinburgh, Scotland
  5. The Sebel Pier One, Sydney

Valentine's Day News: US Air and American are engaged!

To contact us Click HERE
Big news: US Airways and American Airlines are engaged! Here's the website created to update us on the progress of the new American Airlines.

Love is in the air!
 
Don't panic: it usually takes a couple years before the complete merger takes place. It will be business as usual at both airlines (which isn't saying that service has been great with either carrier).

Your miles are safe. The frequent flier programs will be merged so you won't lose your miles. However, US Airways will transition from the Star Alliance to the OneWorld program. You have a year or so to consider your options. If you have status with either airline, this is a good time to switch loyalty programs (United or Delta may match your status and miles to woo you).

Congratulations to them both on their impending union.

CRUISE NEWS: Winstar buys half Seabourn's fleet

To contact us Click HERE
Windstar Cruises announced the purchase of three Seabourn ships yesterday (here's a link to the press release).

The original Seabourn fleet consisting of 208-passenger yachts Seabourn Pride (1988), Seabourn Spirit (1989), and Seabourn Legend (1988) will join Windstar's fleet of three tall-masted sailing ships Wind Spirit (1988), Wind Star (1986), and Wind Surf (1990).  The Seabourn Pride will be the first ship to enter Windstar's fleet in April of 2014.  After renovations, the re-branded and re-named Pride will set sail a month later in the Mediterranean in May 2014; voyages are expected to go on sale in May of this year. Windstar will take possession of Seabourn Legend in April 2015 and Seabourn Spirit in May 2015. The yachts will start sailing in May of 2015 following their dry-dock period.

This is a great move for Windstar Cruises, allowing them to expand to new destinations. They recently announced that the Wind Spirit will return to French Polynesia in May 2014 offering 7-night Tahiti cruises from Papeete. Plans to sail in Asia and South America are also in the works.


Gene Sloan of USA Today writes: "The deal is a new milestone in the comeback of Windstar, an upscale line that was in bankruptcy as recently as 2011 before being taken over by the deep-pocketed Xanterra. Controlled by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz' Anschutz Corp., the company already has poured millions of dollars into renovations for all three Windstar ships."

This leaves Seabourn with their three new 408-passenger ships: Seabourn Odyssey (2009), Seabourn Sojourn (2010) and Seabourn Quest (2011). While rumors are circulating that a new Seabourn ship order will soon be announced, this cruise specialist wonders if the financial troubles of the Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn and Costa Cruises) had any influence in the timing of the sale.

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Fresh From the Refit

To contact us Click HERE
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
On  June 1, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain. The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum. In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.

 Our Other Sites:  
  • For Cruise News World Wide - Cruise-Guru.blogspot.com
  • For Information on Cruises From New York and New Jersey - www.NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For Information on Cruises from the Northeast - www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com

21 Şubat 2013 Perşembe

Wet 'n' Wild Las Vegas Announces Senior Management

To contact us Click HERE
 Las Vegas, NV, USA -- Two amusement and water park industry experts have joined the Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas management team.Takuya Ohki has been named general manager, and Rick Belhumeur is director of operations and maintenance. Both are highly regarded managers at Village Roadshow Theme Parks, a part of Village Roadshow Limited, internationally recognized as one of the largest and most diverse entertainment companies in the world.

Ohki was the general manager of Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii in Oahu following its 2008 acquisition by Village Roadshow Theme Parks when it was Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. His responsibilities covered revenue generation, marketing, sales, finance, guest satisfaction, operations and maintenance, park safety and human resources, and he managed the $8 million capital transformation and rebranding of the park to its current name. In 1999, Ohki joined Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park – then a new start-up tourism venture – and worked in all facets of park operations in positions of increasing responsibility.

Ohki has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Brigham Young University-Hawaii.

Belhumeur will oversee Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas’ aquatics, loss prevention, facilities and park services departments. He joined Village Roadshow Theme Park in 2009 during construction of its second U.S. water park in Phoenix and was a vital member of the park’s start-up management team, helping create and implement many of the company’s standard operating procedures and policies. Additionally Belhumeur oversaw the construction of unique products including the world’s first Constrictor water slide and the two-acre expansion of Wet ‘n’ Wild JR, the park’s children’s area.

Belhumeur’s experience includes operations and construction management positions at several Paramount Park theme parks and the Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

He has a degree in applied social science fromJ. Sergeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Va., and is a Jeff Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor, National Aquatic Safety Company Instructor-Trainer and Certified Pool Operator.

About Wet ‘n’ WildLas Vegas
Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas will be Nevada’s largest water park and home to more than 25 exhilarating slides and attractions. It is expected to open in May 2013 with attractions ranging from extreme water slides, including the first-of-its-kind in North America three-person Rattler, to family friendly interactive play areas. Valued at more than $50 million, the 41-acre park is ideally located in southwestLas Vegas near the I-215 and Sunset Road at7055 S. Fort Apache Rd.,Las Vegas, NV 89148 on a parcel of land leased from The Howard Hughes Corporation. Project investors include Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, Dr. Steven and Karen Thomas of the Thomas and Mack family of Las Vegas, Roger and Scott Bulloch of SPB Partners and Australian entertainment conglomerate Village Roadshow Limited which also will manage the park along with holding a 51 percent ownership. For more information, visit www.WetnWildLasVegas.com.

Crusing Alaska's Glaciers

To contact us Click HERE
The first surprise is that they're blue—startlingly blue. A glacier in Alaska doesn't look anything like an ice cube in your freezer. That's because the ice in tide-water glaciers is so densely packed that it absorbs all visible light except the short, blue spectrum. There is some white near the surface, where the ice traps air bubbles, and there are patches of brown throughout from dirt and rocks and debris. It's all a reminder of how, on its slow trek downhill, the mighty glacier's movement scrapes up everything that lies in its path, including the earth.

We all think we know what a glacier looks like—how many times have you watched Titanic? But seeing South Sawyer Glacier in person—in one of the last wild places on the planet—is nothing like you expect. At first, the glacier looks almost like a toy. As you head out on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, you pass sparkling blue bergs bobbing like ice cubes in a punch bowl. On a few of them, you spot seals and eagles sunning themselves lazily on their icy rafts. As you get closer, however, the mood changes. You're confronted with what looks like a massive blue river of ice pouring down the mountains. The individual pieces are indeed pretty—you can see why the slang for a diamond is "ice"—but they are also threatening, with their jagged peaks and sharp crevices.
Yet for all the visual drama, what's surprising about getting up close and personal with a glacier is how it hits the other senses. Listen carefully, and you'll hear low groaning and popping and maybe even a distant roar that sounds like thunder. That's the sound of an impossibly large force hauling its weight around the world. You can feel a glacier, too, even when you're not touching it. Even in the middle of the summer, you shiver in your hat and gloves, due not as much to the cold as to the chilling realization that you're witnessing a kind of raw, natural power that makes everything else feel insignificant.

At no time is that sense of helplessness greater than when a glacier calves. Calving (a term that has nothing to do with cows but is related to the word cave, as in cave in) happens when massive icebergs are set loose from the motherland. You see it first: a spray, like a frozen mist or fine sleet, shimmying through the air. Then comes the violent sound of a hotel-size piece of ice falling into the water. If you're close enough, the glacier says good-bye in ripples that rock your boat, as if you'd strayed too close to a waterfall. You don't realize until afterward that you were holding your breath. And then it really hits you: The glacier is dying. Whether that's the result of global warming or the natural ebb and flow of nature is a matter of debate. But there's no question that what you've been witnessing is a piece of earth fading away. Like Luca Brasi in The Godfather, a part of South Sawyer Glacier has just gone to sleep with the fishes.

Join a Kosherica cruise to Alaska while you can still witness the stunning beauty of glaciers.

Moldova hides Europe's largest Jewish cemetery

To contact us Click HERE
One of the odd facts about Moldova is that it’s home to Europe’s largest Jewish cemetery. On the outskirts of the capital city, Chisinau, it’s a place many Moldovans I spoke with vaguely knew existed but had never visited. In a city with so few sites of touristic interest it was a bit stunning that this place where 23,500 people lay is nearly forgotten.

Prior to World War II, Moldova (then “Moldavian SSR“) was home to nearly 110,000 Jewish people before the Axis powers in 1941, including Romania, began an invasion of the Soviet Union. Estimates of the those who died as part of the Holocaust during the 3 years before the Soviets were able to occupy present-day Moldova vary widely. According to the Romanian government, 280,000-380,000 Jews may have been killed in what is a very complicated regional story. Like the history of this synagogue, only pieces of the story remain. And it seems there may not be enough left for it ever to be accurately reassembled.

Walking around the grounds of the cemetery can easily take more than an hour as it did for me; especially if you walk toward the graves that are quietly being eaten by the surrounding earth and trees deep inside. Several headstones stuck out, a pilot’s with a large propeller atop for instance, along with this synagogue that barely remains. Aside from the few beers bottles around and those who had drank them, it’s evident these graves don’t get many visitors.

Entry to the cemetery is free and to find the synagogue you’ll have to make an immediate left and walk about 10 minutes following the exterior wall. From Foxnomad.com

Disney's "Brave" rides to box office win

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Disney's new animated movie, "Brave," about a rebellious, red-headed princess battled to the top of movie box office charts over the weekend, scoring $80 million in ticket sales around the world.
The fairy tale from Disney's Pixar studio pulled in $66.7 million at domestic theaters from Friday through Sunday, plus $13.5 million from international markets. "Brave" easily topped new historical/horror mashup "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," which finished the weekend in third place.
The 3D "Brave" is set in the ancient Scottish highlands and centers around horseback-riding teen princess Merida, who defies her mother and her kingdom's traditions. Merida, voiced by Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald, must then use her courage and archery skills to undo a curse.
The movie brings the 13th consecutive No. 1 opening to Pixar, which has become Hollywood's most reliable studio during its 17-year history of making films. Starting with "Toy Story" in 1995, its 12 films before "Brave" have generated more than $7.2 billion in worldwide ticket sales, according to Hollywood.com.
Its 2010 film "Toy Story 3" was the biggest selling film that year, with $415 million in U.S. ticket sales and nearly $1.1 billion worldwide.
"Brave" is a departure for Pixar, and is its first film to feature a strong female as the lead character, following a long Disney tradition with female heroines that in recent years have included "Mulan" and "Pocahontas." "Brave" cost about $185 million to make.
Ahead of the weekend, industry tracking suggested "Brave" would secure between $55 million and $60 million in domestic ticket sales, putting the film line with most of Pixar's recent debuts, but the film topped expectations.
"Brave" knocked another animated family film, "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," to No. 2 after its two weeks in the top spot. The movie about a pack of escaped zoo animals took in $20 million at North American (U.S. and Canadian) theaters over the weekend, and the worldwide total since its debut rose to $157.6 million.
HONEST ABE BATTLES VAMPIRES
In third place on domestic charts, thriller "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" rung up a solid $16.5 millhon. The movie imagines the 16th U.S. president fighting creatures of the night that are plotting to take over the country. Benjamin Walker stars as the axe-wielding Lincoln in the $70-million 3D production.
The movie rung up another $8.1 million in international markets.
Distributor 20th Century Fox, a unit of News Corp, had projected domestic sales would hit around $15 million for the weekend.
In fourth place, "Alien" director Ridley Scott's movie, "Prometheus," about explorers searching for the origins of mankind added $10 million in domestic sales to bring its global sales after three weeks to $108.5 million.
Another new release, "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" pulled in $3.8 million, for a disappointing 10th place. The dark comedy starring Steve Carrell and Keira Knightley tells the story of a man who goes on a road trip as an asteroid speeds toward Earth.
The film, which cost less than $10 million to make, played in 1,618 theaters, fewer than the 3,000-plus for the weekend's other big movies.
The fifth spot went to Universal's "Snow White and the Huntsman," which took in $8 million domestically to bring its four-week global total to $137 million.
"Madagascar 3" was produced by Dreamworks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures, a unit of Viacom Inc. News Corp movie studio 20th Century Fox released "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" and "Prometheus." Focus Features, a unit of Comcast Corp's Universal Pictures, released "Seeking a Friend."

Demi Lovato Gets Personal With 'Rowdy' New Jersey Crowd

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'X Factor' judge talks breakups and goes 'old school' on the latest stop of her summer tour.  Demi Lovato performs at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ on Friday
 
HOLMDEL, NEW JERSEY — Not even rain showers could scare away the Lovatics who crowded the PNC Bank Arts Center to catch the latest stop on Demi Lovato's summer tour Friday night. The star, who's fitting in the trek between her judging duties on the "X Factor," brought out some of New Jersey's most devoted Demi fans.
The star swaggered out to a killer guitar riff before busting out the night's first song, "All Night Long." She shimmied all night in red shorts, a black-and-white blazer and a sheer top, never once stumbling in her sky-high platforms.
She displayed her rock-star bravado when she teased and flirted with her band during tracks that were hardly audible over all the screams.
"Thank you so much for coming," she told the crowd, "You guys are amazing. Let me just tell you guys, I love being in Jersey. It is one of my favorite places. You guys are the rowdiest fans." Several tracks in, Demi displayed her musicianship by strapping on an acoustic guitar for "Catch Me," only to switch over to a yellow electric one mid-song, proving that a '70s rock goddess lurks inside the 19-year-old. Soon though, it was time to slow it down and she showed off her R&B princess side for the Unbroken ballad, "My Love Is a Star," her vocal pyrotechnics mirrored by the lightning and thunder taking place just feet away from where the singer was performing.
"This next song is a pretty personal song for me," she told the room. "How many of you guys have been through a breakup? As you all know I've been through a few. I've been there and I made it through. I love you and I'm always there for you."
She then launched into an emotional version of her track, "Fix a Heart." The intense moment, in which Lovato looked as though she was struggling to hold back her emotions, was met with cheers. She followed it with her now famous cover of Lil Wayne's "How To Love."But, things didn't stay slow for long. "Who's That Boy" picked up the pace followed by "You're My Only Shorty," "Here We Go Again," and "La La Land."And then came the perfect time for her big (albeit fleeting) plug of the night when she reminded room, "Recently I've been working on a show 'X Factor' [and I get to sit] next to Britney Spears ... I'm gonna slow it down a little bit. Basically I just want to see you guys," she added, requesting that the room hold up a cell phone or glow-stick or lighter if "you're old school." The firefly effect only made the impact of her slow jam, "Lightweight," more grand.
Next she sat at the piano and said, "Before my concerts I get to do a meet-and-greet with some of my fans, and some are brave enough to share some of their stories," however as she got personal a guitar fell and she joked, "Well there goes that moment. ... You don't realize I got through my issues and my problems [because of you guys]." That was the perfect set-up for her defining power ballad, "Skyscraper."Then, in an interesting twist, she went into the cover of Chris Brown's "Turn Up the Music." And to wrap up the first act of the show she did her own tracks "Together" and her rock-tinged "Remember December."She came back out for her encore to deafening screams where she kept the energy turned up to a big 10 thanks to her disco anthem "Unbroken" and her current single, "Give Your Heart a Break."
Lovato will be on the road through September 1, with her special guests Hot Chelle Rae. The tour wraps up just in time for the premiere of "X Factor" September 12.

20 Şubat 2013 Çarşamba

CRUISE NEWS: Winstar buys half Seabourn's fleet

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Windstar Cruises announced the purchase of three Seabourn ships yesterday (here's a link to the press release).

The original Seabourn fleet consisting of 208-passenger yachts Seabourn Pride (1988), Seabourn Spirit (1989), and Seabourn Legend (1988) will join Windstar's fleet of three tall-masted sailing ships Wind Spirit (1988), Wind Star (1986), and Wind Surf (1990).  The Seabourn Pride will be the first ship to enter Windstar's fleet in April of 2014.  After renovations, the re-branded and re-named Pride will set sail a month later in the Mediterranean in May 2014; voyages are expected to go on sale in May of this year. Windstar will take possession of Seabourn Legend in April 2015 and Seabourn Spirit in May 2015. The yachts will start sailing in May of 2015 following their dry-dock period.

This is a great move for Windstar Cruises, allowing them to expand to new destinations. They recently announced that the Wind Spirit will return to French Polynesia in May 2014 offering 7-night Tahiti cruises from Papeete. Plans to sail in Asia and South America are also in the works.


Gene Sloan of USA Today writes: "The deal is a new milestone in the comeback of Windstar, an upscale line that was in bankruptcy as recently as 2011 before being taken over by the deep-pocketed Xanterra. Controlled by Denver billionaire Philip Anschutz' Anschutz Corp., the company already has poured millions of dollars into renovations for all three Windstar ships."

This leaves Seabourn with their three new 408-passenger ships: Seabourn Odyssey (2009), Seabourn Sojourn (2010) and Seabourn Quest (2011). While rumors are circulating that a new Seabourn ship order will soon be announced, this cruise specialist wonders if the financial troubles of the Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn and Costa Cruises) had any influence in the timing of the sale.

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Fresh From the Refit

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Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
On  June 1, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain. The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum. In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.

 Our Other Sites:  
  • For Cruise News World Wide - Cruise-Guru.blogspot.com
  • For Information on Cruises From New York and New Jersey - www.NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For Information on Cruises from the Northeast - www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com

Louis Cruise Lines' Emerald Sold for Scrap

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Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap
Emerald of Louis Cruise Lines - Reportedly Sold for Scrap

Initially reported sold to South Korean buyers, Louis Cruise Lines has now reported that the 54-year-old Emerald has been sold for scrap in June for  $5 Million dollars.

This is the second cruise ship that Louis Cruise Line has sold in the last three months. The Sapphire was recently sold for scrap as well. The line is actively reducing the older tonnage of the fleet. Currently Louis Cruise Line has 7 ships.

Although the Emerald did go though a total rennovation in the last 10 years, her fuel hungry  steam turbine-powered engines have made it hard for her to find suitable active service.
The Emerald was originally bult as the Santa Rosa for Grace Lines.

 ___________________________________________________________________________


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Crusing Alaska's Glaciers

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The first surprise is that they're blue—startlingly blue. A glacier in Alaska doesn't look anything like an ice cube in your freezer. That's because the ice in tide-water glaciers is so densely packed that it absorbs all visible light except the short, blue spectrum. There is some white near the surface, where the ice traps air bubbles, and there are patches of brown throughout from dirt and rocks and debris. It's all a reminder of how, on its slow trek downhill, the mighty glacier's movement scrapes up everything that lies in its path, including the earth.

We all think we know what a glacier looks like—how many times have you watched Titanic? But seeing South Sawyer Glacier in person—in one of the last wild places on the planet—is nothing like you expect. At first, the glacier looks almost like a toy. As you head out on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, you pass sparkling blue bergs bobbing like ice cubes in a punch bowl. On a few of them, you spot seals and eagles sunning themselves lazily on their icy rafts. As you get closer, however, the mood changes. You're confronted with what looks like a massive blue river of ice pouring down the mountains. The individual pieces are indeed pretty—you can see why the slang for a diamond is "ice"—but they are also threatening, with their jagged peaks and sharp crevices.
Yet for all the visual drama, what's surprising about getting up close and personal with a glacier is how it hits the other senses. Listen carefully, and you'll hear low groaning and popping and maybe even a distant roar that sounds like thunder. That's the sound of an impossibly large force hauling its weight around the world. You can feel a glacier, too, even when you're not touching it. Even in the middle of the summer, you shiver in your hat and gloves, due not as much to the cold as to the chilling realization that you're witnessing a kind of raw, natural power that makes everything else feel insignificant.

At no time is that sense of helplessness greater than when a glacier calves. Calving (a term that has nothing to do with cows but is related to the word cave, as in cave in) happens when massive icebergs are set loose from the motherland. You see it first: a spray, like a frozen mist or fine sleet, shimmying through the air. Then comes the violent sound of a hotel-size piece of ice falling into the water. If you're close enough, the glacier says good-bye in ripples that rock your boat, as if you'd strayed too close to a waterfall. You don't realize until afterward that you were holding your breath. And then it really hits you: The glacier is dying. Whether that's the result of global warming or the natural ebb and flow of nature is a matter of debate. But there's no question that what you've been witnessing is a piece of earth fading away. Like Luca Brasi in The Godfather, a part of South Sawyer Glacier has just gone to sleep with the fishes.

Join a Kosherica cruise to Alaska while you can still witness the stunning beauty of glaciers.

Moldova hides Europe's largest Jewish cemetery

To contact us Click HERE
One of the odd facts about Moldova is that it’s home to Europe’s largest Jewish cemetery. On the outskirts of the capital city, Chisinau, it’s a place many Moldovans I spoke with vaguely knew existed but had never visited. In a city with so few sites of touristic interest it was a bit stunning that this place where 23,500 people lay is nearly forgotten.

Prior to World War II, Moldova (then “Moldavian SSR“) was home to nearly 110,000 Jewish people before the Axis powers in 1941, including Romania, began an invasion of the Soviet Union. Estimates of the those who died as part of the Holocaust during the 3 years before the Soviets were able to occupy present-day Moldova vary widely. According to the Romanian government, 280,000-380,000 Jews may have been killed in what is a very complicated regional story. Like the history of this synagogue, only pieces of the story remain. And it seems there may not be enough left for it ever to be accurately reassembled.

Walking around the grounds of the cemetery can easily take more than an hour as it did for me; especially if you walk toward the graves that are quietly being eaten by the surrounding earth and trees deep inside. Several headstones stuck out, a pilot’s with a large propeller atop for instance, along with this synagogue that barely remains. Aside from the few beers bottles around and those who had drank them, it’s evident these graves don’t get many visitors.

Entry to the cemetery is free and to find the synagogue you’ll have to make an immediate left and walk about 10 minutes following the exterior wall. From Foxnomad.com

19 Şubat 2013 Salı

Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas Fresh From the Refit

To contact us Click HERE
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas
On  June 1, 2012 – Royal Caribbean International’s Grandeur of the Seas completed its $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain. The bow-to-stern revitalization of Grandeur of the Seas included the addition of five new dining venues, technological upgrades, a pool side LED screen, a refresh of all furniture, carpet, upholstery and staterooms as well as new entertainment offering including a spectacular aerial entertainment in its six deck Centrum. In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, as well as a transformed Viking Crown Lounge that will features a stunning new design, as well as a new menu featuring bite-size delectables.

Grandeur of the Seas will spend the summer offering a variety of Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Italy and Provence, France.

 Our Other Sites:  
  • For Cruise News World Wide - Cruise-Guru.blogspot.com
  • For Information on Cruises From New York and New Jersey - www.NYCruiseInfo.com
  • For Information on Cruises from the Northeast - www.NortheastCruiseGuide.com

Crusing Alaska's Glaciers

To contact us Click HERE
The first surprise is that they're blue—startlingly blue. A glacier in Alaska doesn't look anything like an ice cube in your freezer. That's because the ice in tide-water glaciers is so densely packed that it absorbs all visible light except the short, blue spectrum. There is some white near the surface, where the ice traps air bubbles, and there are patches of brown throughout from dirt and rocks and debris. It's all a reminder of how, on its slow trek downhill, the mighty glacier's movement scrapes up everything that lies in its path, including the earth.

We all think we know what a glacier looks like—how many times have you watched Titanic? But seeing South Sawyer Glacier in person—in one of the last wild places on the planet—is nothing like you expect. At first, the glacier looks almost like a toy. As you head out on the Disney Wonder cruise ship, you pass sparkling blue bergs bobbing like ice cubes in a punch bowl. On a few of them, you spot seals and eagles sunning themselves lazily on their icy rafts. As you get closer, however, the mood changes. You're confronted with what looks like a massive blue river of ice pouring down the mountains. The individual pieces are indeed pretty—you can see why the slang for a diamond is "ice"—but they are also threatening, with their jagged peaks and sharp crevices.
Yet for all the visual drama, what's surprising about getting up close and personal with a glacier is how it hits the other senses. Listen carefully, and you'll hear low groaning and popping and maybe even a distant roar that sounds like thunder. That's the sound of an impossibly large force hauling its weight around the world. You can feel a glacier, too, even when you're not touching it. Even in the middle of the summer, you shiver in your hat and gloves, due not as much to the cold as to the chilling realization that you're witnessing a kind of raw, natural power that makes everything else feel insignificant.

At no time is that sense of helplessness greater than when a glacier calves. Calving (a term that has nothing to do with cows but is related to the word cave, as in cave in) happens when massive icebergs are set loose from the motherland. You see it first: a spray, like a frozen mist or fine sleet, shimmying through the air. Then comes the violent sound of a hotel-size piece of ice falling into the water. If you're close enough, the glacier says good-bye in ripples that rock your boat, as if you'd strayed too close to a waterfall. You don't realize until afterward that you were holding your breath. And then it really hits you: The glacier is dying. Whether that's the result of global warming or the natural ebb and flow of nature is a matter of debate. But there's no question that what you've been witnessing is a piece of earth fading away. Like Luca Brasi in The Godfather, a part of South Sawyer Glacier has just gone to sleep with the fishes.

Join a Kosherica cruise to Alaska while you can still witness the stunning beauty of glaciers.

Moldova hides Europe's largest Jewish cemetery

To contact us Click HERE
One of the odd facts about Moldova is that it’s home to Europe’s largest Jewish cemetery. On the outskirts of the capital city, Chisinau, it’s a place many Moldovans I spoke with vaguely knew existed but had never visited. In a city with so few sites of touristic interest it was a bit stunning that this place where 23,500 people lay is nearly forgotten.

Prior to World War II, Moldova (then “Moldavian SSR“) was home to nearly 110,000 Jewish people before the Axis powers in 1941, including Romania, began an invasion of the Soviet Union. Estimates of the those who died as part of the Holocaust during the 3 years before the Soviets were able to occupy present-day Moldova vary widely. According to the Romanian government, 280,000-380,000 Jews may have been killed in what is a very complicated regional story. Like the history of this synagogue, only pieces of the story remain. And it seems there may not be enough left for it ever to be accurately reassembled.

Walking around the grounds of the cemetery can easily take more than an hour as it did for me; especially if you walk toward the graves that are quietly being eaten by the surrounding earth and trees deep inside. Several headstones stuck out, a pilot’s with a large propeller atop for instance, along with this synagogue that barely remains. Aside from the few beers bottles around and those who had drank them, it’s evident these graves don’t get many visitors.

Entry to the cemetery is free and to find the synagogue you’ll have to make an immediate left and walk about 10 minutes following the exterior wall. From Foxnomad.com

If You've Been Dying To Know...

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I'm going to finally give you some background around the name of my blog. 
Today, I am linking up with Casey over at Stress Case to talk all about why I blog.
I've mentioned before here and there about why I blog but I'll refresh your pretty little minds. And for all of you newbies who haven't read my blog cover to cover.
As a quick recap, I began blogging because I found myself unemployed with a lot of time on my hands. I had been following a few blogs and thought, why not create my own blog. That way I won't look like such a creeper reading other blogs. 
Initially blogging was sort of an outlet around my frustrations with not being engaged. I knew M didn't express interest in reading my blog but secretly I hoped he was reading. I created posts like this and this to sort of hint around at the types of rings I might like.
I then moved my focus to link-ups and daily happenings to try and meet people though the blogging community. I read that a lot of people had met great friends though blogging. 
Some days I would get down because my readership wasn't growing as quickly as I would like. I would see other blogs that were so big and I would get discouraged. Then I would remember blogging is not about the followers, but about me. I have one of the best followers out there, my mom!
Lately I'm blogging as more of a virtual scrapbook. In addition to my daily life and fun link-ups, I've been highlighting my past and present and preparing for what my future brings. I've found joy out of that, and the fact my blog keeps my mom updated.
So, how did by blog get its name?It all started with a Christmas present. 
The past few years my mom has thrown out the phrase "keep your sunny side up" whenever I've been down and out, stressed or struggling. She's said it here and there. 
This past Christmas, I received this present from my mom. The metal sign hanging on the wall in my room. 
I was in shock when I saw what it was. I thought she had it custom made since it was something she had said to me a lot. She actually didn't and when she saw it in the store just had to have it to give to me. I told her I'd treasure it always. 
The day I planned to start my blog I sat at my little ol desk thinking and thinking, racking my brain. I wanted something along the lines of "living by the salty sea". Although that seems so "me", it just didn't quite fit. I hadn't always and wouldn't always live by the sea. 
I was literally looking around my room to think when my eyes stumbled on the sign from my mom. It seemed like the perfect title to my blog. 
And that, my friends, is how my blog was named.

18 Şubat 2013 Pazartesi

Big & Digital to Distribute Giant Screen Film "In Saturn's Rings"

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Henderson, NV, USA (December 18, 2012) -- BIG & Digital, LLC and SV2 Studios, LLC announced today that In Saturn's Rings will be distributed worldwide by BIG & Digital to the network of IMAX®, Giant Screen, and Full-Dome Theaters. The film will be released in early 2014.

In Saturn’s Rings is a non-profit giant-screen space art film, produced by SV2 Studios, that takes audiences on the ultimate journey of the mind and spirit from the big bang to the wonders of the Solar System climaxing with the Cassini-Huygens Mission at Saturn.

Over One Million photographs, manipulated to create full motion, make up the film's visuals for a photographic fly-through of deep space. Using innovative visual techniques developed by the filmmaker, In Saturn’s Rings lets audiences fly through space and time using real photographs, not CGI. The film will feature powerful music by Ferry Corsten, William Orbit, Samuel Barber and melds narrative visual poetry and science into a rich and emotional experience. The imagery, synchronized to powerful and moving music, provides a direct and powerful opportunity of exploring space.

“We're very excited to work with BIG & Digital to bring the film to the network of Giant Screen Theaters,” said Stephen van Vuuren of SV2 Studios. “In Saturn’s Rings is literally a big and digital film, so this is a perfect match for presenting the film in the best light to the industry.”

“I have been following Stephen's film for several years and I appreciate his passion for a unique and scientific space film that reaches an emotional level with audiences. The film is different than the space films that have come before it and we are looking forward to be bringing In Saturn’s Rings to theaters worldwide,” said Tina Ratterman, founder of BIG & Digital.

A one minute clip with millions of views on the internet was named one of NASA’s “Astronomy Pictures of the Day.” The online space and scientific communities support and endorse the project including resources and support from Bill Nye “The Science Guy” and The Planetary Society. Individual scientists from NASA, JPL, ESA and numerous other scientific institutions are active advisors and volunteers.

More than a dozen volunteer scientists, photographers and image processors are working directly on the production creating custom programs, processing lunar imagery, and creating stunning time-lapse of the dark sky at giant screen resolutions.

More information on the film can be found at www.in_saturnsrings.com and updates and announcements can be received through social media: Twitter - @in_saturnsrings, Facebook at www.facebook.com/insaturnsringsmovie

Distribution and leasing information is available from BIG & Digital. Contact: info@biganddigital.com or 702-932-4045.

About SV2 Studios
SV2 Studios was founded by filmmaker Stephen van Vuuren in 2000 to focus on digital cinema production.  SV2 Studios has produced a range of multimedia projects, including award-winning short and feature length films. The company also provides digital cinema mastering to independent filmmakers. Van Vuuren has become a leading photographic animation artist while creating the stunning visuals for In Saturn's Rings.

About BIG & Digital, LLC
BIG & Digital specializes in distribution of 15/70mm and digital giant screen content to museums, attractions and planetariums. BIG & Digital was founded in March 2009 by Tina Ratterman. Ratterman is a veteran in the giant screen industry with more than 15 years of successful marketing and distribution experience. More information can be found at www.biganddigital.com.